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Massey Hall
Category: Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Music Venues [Edit]
178 Victoria StToronto, ON M5B 1T6
Neighbourhood: Downtown Core
(416) 872-4255
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Fri
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
45 reviews for Massey Hall
45 reviews in English
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Review from Garry C.
Whistler, BC
6/30/2010
Massey Hall is probably my favourite place to see live music. I would watch almost any band here. I'd probably even enjoy watching/listening to bands that I don't like here! The sound is great! Not too loud, no reflection of sound - just perfect!
The place has character, is well maintained and has great seats throughout the building. There are a few obstructed view seats, but they tell you beforehand.
I've lost count of bands/acts that I've seen here, but they've all been awesome. This place has been great and I kinda wish I still lived in Toronto because of this place. Hopefully, I can catch some great music here when I'm back in town! -
Review from Johnny H.
Toronto, ON
5/17/2012
Been here many times for concerts, and it has a unique charm and atmosphere. It is very different from performances at huge venues. Music is rather felt and you are absorbed in it than just listening. the experience lingers on after the show. Acoustic is excellent.
There is underground parking lot at Southeast of Yonge/Dundas. -
Review from Lesley W.
Toronto, ON
12/22/2011
My hubby bought me tickets to the Tori Amos concert and I fell in love with this historic, intimate venue. We were on the main floor and it was perfect, even though I could feel the springs popping out of the seat cushion. My hubby warned me that the seats slide forward & recline but still I was surprised (twice) and let out a little "WOOO!" but thankfully not during the performance.
The website states that "cameras, recording equipment, pagers and cellular phones are prohibited inside the auditorium" but this was not enforced. We only had our phones but we notices flashes from cameras at various points during the performance. It wasn't an issue for us as it wasn't excessive.
The acoustics were fantastic. I got chills from a combination of the music and the venue's charm / atmosphere / ambiance. Overall, a wonderful experience. -
Review from Dishan W.
11/1/2011
I've only been here for a Craig Ferguson stand up show so I can't really say much in terms of acoustics except that I could hear him, the location itself while being in a great spot in the city and playing host to constantly tempting acts impressed me with it's level of intimacy felt even a few rows in at the sides of the balcony.
Sure the structure is not new and fancy as some of the Mirvish theatre's but it's got a great classic feel to it.
I have nothing negative to say about the ushers and I could see in some sections there were some who were totally on top of their game when it came to shutting up people or smack some cameras out of their hands (maybe not literally). But for the most part they were not a big factor in my evening there.
I was a little disapointed by the creaking of some seats while people shifted but some may call it part of the charm of the location?
I've had friends come here for acoustic concerts and say that they've been fantastic and having been here I can now see why. Couple that with the claim of my fellow Yelpers here of great acoustics and I might actually be willing to dish out some solid dough to hear a live performance.
Wish they had a bit more of a lobby as you enter though, rather than seemingly having to rush upstairs or down to your seats.Listed in: My November 30
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Review from Jason B.
8/24/2011
This is a historic venue with classic charm. Its the Carnegie Hall of Canada.
Take a tour of the bar area in the basement- you will find signed memorabilia of many artists who have previously performed. And you will even find promotional material to most of the lectures and concerts since 1894. The show that got away for me was by none other than the great Bob Marley.
Other than the Molson Cdn Amp, which can seat about 16,000, this is my favourite Toronto music venue... it seats about 3000. If you get tickets to see any of their A-list performers, you can count on an intimate experience. A lot of performers step to the edge of the stage and experiment a capella style with the reverb of the room... the hall has a unique acoustic quality.
While there are seats with obstructed views, and some seating that is not as comfortable as the seats lack padding and leg room, the interior architecture is majestic and breath taking. You have an especially great view of the interior if you have side seating. When I had floor seating... I walked to the edge of the stage to look up and around and enjoy the view from the artists vantage... wondering if one day maybe I would be able to enjoy this view for more than just a few moments.Listed in: Bucket List
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Review from Cameron O.
Toronto, ON
5/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've never actually been to Massey Hall as a patron/concert-goer. I've only ever been on stage. As an acoustic venue it sounds great. Plus all the balcony seating is up close so you can very easily connect with your audience.
However the back-stage facility is HORRIBLE! The dressing rooms are few and far between and some even have fixtures/plumbing that look like they were installed in the 1930s. The green room is bright and airy but not nearly large enough for most of the contraptions that bring me to this stage.
If you're travelling to this venue by stage-coach, make sure you tell your vallet what time the concert will be over as there is no pasture close at hand for your horses. You can of course park your conveyance at the nearby lots to the tune of $18-$25 to escape.
If you ever find yourself on the tech portion of a tour coming to this hall make sure you keep clear of the "loading dock" until the strong-arm union crew is on shift or else you face extra charges. (By loading-dock I mean the street out front! Horseless carriages came 20+ years after this place was built)Listed in: Performance Venues
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Review from Phillip Jessie j.
Toronto, ON
11/17/2010
Saw Penn and teller here on November 8th. They were great.
So was the venue.
I was lucky enough to have seats on the floor which have plenty of leg room and cushioning for those with sensitive arses. The stage is viewable to all with its circular and raised design.
Only problems I can think of, although these did bother me quite a bit is that the entrance is so fucking tiny. You wont notice it as much when you are coming in but when you are leaving it takes forever, due to assholes standing right outside the doors waiting for cabs. I can't get cabs to leave me alone anywhere in Toronto, if people just walked a few blocks they could easily get one without creating a massive crowd right at the entrance. Makes me wonder what the hell would happen if there was a fire.
Also the washrooms are tiny and often packed, for such a venue of this size you would think they would have more facilities.
These problems aren't that big of a deal (until there's a fire) but they detract from an otherwise flawless place. -
Review from Brennan W.
Edmonton, AB
11/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Noel Gallagher. That's all I need to write
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Review from Joanne W.
10/27/2010
I have a tendency to go to a lot of concerts. Apparently, I've been recently dubbed as the "concert junkie" at my workplace. I don't think I've gone to *that* many concerts, but this year, I've been to 4 (that's not too bad, right?)
Anyhow, this was actually my first time being at Massey Hall, and I absolutely loved it. It's a smaller venue -- keeping it very intimate. Sound quality is great -- we were sitting in the balcony area, and I had an amazing time. Not only that, there are SEATS. Okay, maybe it's because I'm getting old, but I like being able to sit down once in a while instead of standing the whole time (e.g. my free Metric concert experience pretty much killed my feet; same with my Arcade Fire experience at Toronto Island).
Seeing STARS in concert here was a big plus. Loved it! -
Review from William H.
Toronto, ON
7/15/2009
You better shell out the cash if you're going to see something here, because the cheap seats up top will literally leave you without enough room to fit your knees in. Sure, I'm 6'3", but unless you're a "little person", you'll have a hard time comfortably fitting.
So buy a ridiculously expensive ticket up front, or make sure you have removable legs. -
Review from Jennifer M.
Toronto, ON
9/22/2010
Massey Hall is charming in an intimate venue way. It is heartwarming in the heritage and history way. The sound is nice, the building is in good shape for its age, but there are a few things that keep me from giving MH a better review.
During my recent visit (for a public speaker not a musical act) I asked if photos were permitted. The usher assured me that yes, photos were allowed, but they would appreciate if I could wait until the "Question and Answer" period to take my pics. Of course, I don't want to disrupt the performance so I wait patiently. When the time comes, I pull out my digital SLR (standard, no fancy lenses nothing) and proceed to take a pic, while hundreds of flashes are going off around me. Within milliseconds I have two ushers telling me to put my camera away and that they have a "policy" of no flash and point and shoot only. What gives? I wasn't using a flash at all (everyone else was) and my SLR IS my point and shoot.
Secondly, they take cash only. Meaning, copies of this speakers signed books which are not cheap, merchandise, a bottle of water (soo hot in there) or some drinks for your party.. you better have brought cash with you. No merchant machine of any kind in the building.
The seats are old and tight, yes and can get claustrophobic, even for a tiny-ish person like me. Mind you the theatre was full and I had people much larger than me on both sides. You might want to get an aisle seat.
No washrooms on the balcony levels, go before the show.
Overall I like other Toronto Venues much better. Roy Thompson Hall, Elgin & Winter Garden for example, I adore. -
Review from Dardana M.
ON
1/29/2009 ROTD 4/26/2009
Massey Hall is officially my favourite concert venue. If a band I love (even like a lot) announces that they are playing there, it is like winning the lottery. The seats are pretty comfortable, the view is exceptional from *any* seat in the house, and the sound is literally heavenly.
Best Massey Hall Memory: running up the stairs, hand-in-hand to our (excellent view!) Lou Reed balcony seats while the opening of Sweet Jane wafted through the hall.
Most Uncomfortable Massey Hall Memory: wanting Billy Corgan to stop dicking around with his self-indulgent guitar solos, and just play Thirty-Three instead, which he did not do.
Second Best Massey Hall Memory: realizing that purchasing a "Friend's First" membership was totally worth it, cuz we had 5th row Kids in the Hall Seats.
Worst Massey Hall Memory: missing Eddie Vedder (teenage idolX1000) due to unintentionally surrendering fan club membership, rustiness in (own) scalping skills, underestimating scalpers' skills. The chants of "Eddie! Eddie!" from outside still torture me to this day.
This venue is my happy place (*ahem*...usually). -
Review from Ferdinand H.
5/5/2009
I came to Massey to see Diana Krall just a little while ago. The seating lends itself to a sense of intimacy, giving a good view from almost anywhere. The seating is reasonably comfortable and the decor good with damping sound reverbrations.
The pickup on the piano left something to be desired, however -- the orchestra sounded natural, but the mic on the grand seemed to emphasize brassy tones in the mid to high range, and there was a curious lack of lower register resonance.
Aside from that, the droll banter from Ms. Krall was spot on -- a great distraction in between her brilliant playing. -
Review from Kat F.
2/11/2009
Like the reviewers below have already stated, finding out that your favourite band is playing at Massey Hall is an absolute treat! The sound quality is unparalleled and there isn't a bad seat in the place, whether you're on the ground floor or one of the upper balconies. For a regular concert-goer it's a relief to actually be able to SIT and enjoy a show for once instead of pushing my way past sweaty revelers in some dive club.
I've had the pleasure of seeing Sigur Ros, Arcade Fire, Eddie Vedder, Death Cab For Cutie and Imogen Heap at Massey Hall and all of these shows rank among my favourite concerts.
If you want to get great seats, it's worth it to try to buy tickets on Massey Hall's official website (http://www.masseyhall.com) when they go on sale instead of Ticketmaster as there is almost always a MUCH better selection and less competition to buy. -
Review from Shari M.
Toronto, ON
9/26/2009
This is what a concert hall is supposed to be like.
Fantastic acoustics.
I have never seen a bad show at Massey Hall. You can also really tell when the artist you are seeing does true acoustics and they sound just as good (or even better) than their recordings (i.e. my main man Elvis Costello).
The little bar in the basement is cozy and great for pre show drinks. The vibe at Massey Hall, every time I have been anyway, is always much more civilized and kind. I find most people are there for the truly amazing sound experience and the intimacy of the place.
Cannot recommend this place enough. Even the bathrooms are nice! -
Review from Ian B.
Fort Erie, ON
11/13/2010
Now don't get me wrong, I love the history of this place, and the acts it has brought to Toronto. I have seen some great shows at this venue, and have fond memories.
The two stars is simply for one reason, that the hall is not really tailored to an actual audience of grown people. The seats are uncomfortable, with no leg room at all. There are also quite a few seats that they will sell that have NO or partial view of the stage, with no warning. The sound system has also malfunctioned on 100% of my visits.
Normally I could care less, as I've seen some great shows in less than perfect conditions, but they weren't charging $5 for a bottle of water either. -
Review from Cheri D.
4/22/2011
I had the remarkable pleasure of seeing the Pixies at Massey Hall a few days ago. If i was reviewing the concert it'd get a 5 star review fo sho. But no, this review is for Massey Hall only.
I'm sure if i was sitting in another section i could be giving it 4 stars at least. But i was seated way up in the gallery. The 15" leg room was not exactly the most comfortable thing i've experienced. I'm not a very tall person, about 5'5", and my knees were digging into the back of the seat in front of me. The seats in the gallery are also wooden, as opposed to the Floor or Balcony seats. I was relieved when everyone stood up for the show and i actually had a bit more room. I did have a great view, with just the very left side of the stage obstructed from where i was. The sound was great!
I love the location of Massey Hall as well. Very easy to get to by subway or streetcar (it's right in between Dundas and Queen near Yonge). For the drivers out there, there is a convenient Green P garage just a block away across from St. Michael's Hospital (after 6pm it's a max of $6.) I agree with another yelper who mentioned that the crowds when trying to exit are horrendous. But what can you do? People stand around and block doorways, just be patient.
Massey Hall is a beautiful venue, and i'm sure i could bump this review up to 4 stars if i had the joy of sitting in another section. Maybe next time... -
Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
8/31/2009 1 Check-in Here
Up until this weekend I would have given Massey Hall 5 stars. It's a beautiful venue with amazing acoustics, shows start on time, the bar downstairs doesn't completely overcharge like some other places in the city (I'm talking to you Molson Amphitheatre!!) and it's a convenient location.
What happened this weekend, you ask, to cause me to subtract a star? This weekend, my husband and I attended the Elvis Costello concert and sat in the gallery. The gallery is the top balcony, and it was designed for children or people who are vertically challenged. I am only 5 ft 4 and I was cramped. Many people had to stand in the back the entire show because it was SOOOO uncomfortable. The show itself was amazing, the sound not as good in the gallery as it is everywhere else, but Elvis and the band more than made up for it with their energy and talent. However, my back was killing afterward.
Lesson learned. Massey Hall floor and balcony - 5 stars. Massey Hall gallery - 2 1/2. I won't go if I have to sit in the gallery. I refuse to call them the cheap seats, because they are never going to be cheap enough!Listed in: Live Music
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Review from Melissa G.
North York, ON
5/21/2009
I absolutely adore Massey Hall!
This place is a key part of Toronto's music history and continues to please all music lovers as they go to enjoy music, comedy or anything else that requires a stage and a good crowd.
I have been to Massey Hall before to see concerts but the latest one I saw a couple of nights ago - my fave band The Tragically Hip - that I was reminded on all of the greatest this venue has to offer.
Massey is really intimate and although it still holds a good amount of people, you feel you are close to the artists and you are really a part of something. This is definitely a feeling you do not get at the ACC or any huge sports venues.
Also, there are extras that really help! For example, they have a few options for restrooms and areas for purchasing merchandise and alcoholic beverages. This really adds to the experience because you are not stressing about super long lines and missing any of the musical talent.
As well, I found the sound quality to be amazing! You can really hear everything and I did not find the music to ever be blaring as I listen and soak up the music.
Overall, this is one venue to check out if you are here in Toronto and especially if one of your favourites bands or musical artists are performing. -
Review from Chris C.
6/4/2010
I love old, well maintained theatres. Massey Hall already had this one in the bag. However, when we found out that Eddie Izzard was doing a show while we were going to be in Toronto, we had to go. Combining old, historic theatre and witty, British, cross-dressing comic; Massey Hall was fishing with dynamite where I was concerned.
The thing I liked best, was the combination of a semi-thrust stage with a wide proscenium that the audience wraps around. It brings you closer to the performance and makes it very intimate.Listed in: Neighbours to the Nourth
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Review from Kate M.
5/20/2009
Massey Hall I love you! Your wonderful sound! Your classiness! I love it all! I cannot wait until we reunite this summer for Fleet Foxes! It has been too long!
Yes I must admit I could have taken the time to see you. And I'm here to say I'm sorry. Every time a band I liked has played a show here, and I have decided not to shell out the cash, I have regretted it. Or the show had sold out before I've been able to get tickets. Gosh this venue sells out fast! If you can avoid Ticketmaster (aka Ticket THE WORST THING EVER) then get tickets through the Massey Hall site. I always forget this and end up kicking myself for it after.
Oh Massey Hall, I'm counting down the days until we reunite (L)
xoxox -
Review from Val G.
11/24/2009
I just discovered this venue.. and by discovered I mean, knew about it my entire life and missed all opportunities to experience it until now. I finally saw Canadian legend Gordon Lightfoot perform here last week.
I had bad seats bought at the last minute in the Gallery and at the very end of the ring, basically hanging right over the stage. The view was obstructed by sound equipment and kids leaning forward in the front row of the section but that didn't actually ruin the show for me. Maybe it was all Gord but the whole thing felt like pure magic.
I love the atmosphere of this place. The design allows for a lot of artist/audience interaction. The acoustics were amazing and I like that it doesn't seem like they've made any improvements to the furnishing/decor ever.
It is definitely worth it to pay extra for better seats on the Floor or Balcony if you can get them. Like Melinda said, these seats aren't actually cheap enough to make them worth the risk of marring your concert experience. I left happy but I know the people next to me weren't as pleased. -
Review from Tara A.
3/14/2010
We are so fortunate to have a music venue where legends old and new have performed and it never fails to keep its unique classic flare. I had the pleasure of seeing Jamie Cullum at Massey last week and it just reminded me of how incredible Massey hall truly is.
Jamie is probably my favourite performer I've ever seen. His performance was that of a raw, yet professional jam session. Combine his talents with his bands and add in the unbelievable acoustics of the venue, and that is the experience I had last week.
Jamie and his band also took to the aisle of Massey and played his version of "cry me a river" where if you can believe, the sound was even more incredible.
I highly recommend seeing a show, or ten at this venue and if you ever have the opportunity to see Jamie Cullum, don't pass it up. -
Review from Mozart A.
Whitby, ON
6/1/2010 1 Check-in Here
If you're like me - 1.90m tall - you will need one of those two things: 1) a crazy expensive seat; or 2) an epidural shot.
I went to check out Eddie Izzard's gig last weekend. In his act he mocks religion and claims God doesn't exist, but I guess he's wrong, since a miracle of our Lord is the only reason why I could get up and walk after two and a half hours in those seats.
I can't imagine what would be like if the place was crowded. I used lots of space of the adjacent empty seats to accommodate myself... but after 5 minutes in a given position my whole body started freaking HURTING. In the end, the best arrangement was separating my legs like an open book. Thanks Eddie for hypnotizing the crowd with your performance, because if those in front of me got bored and turned their heads to the other way... let's just say that they would not have the 'balls' to endure the view.
The acoustics is fine, the place is beautiful and stuff... but there's no way it gets more than two stars. -
Review from Casey A.
Toronto, ON
3/3/2011
Best concert hall in Toronto. If you have long legs don't buy gallery seats cause they are from 1894. Balcony and Main Floor are your best bet. If they ever tear this place down Toronto will have lost it all.
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Review from Aaron B.
Wilberforce, ON
8/8/2011
I saw Mark Knopfler here in 2010 and my fiance and I went to see Buddy Guy in April 2011. Massey Hall is great venue with character. Excellent sound and great views from almost any seat.
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Review from cailen s.
Oakville, ON
3/30/2009
This is pure class all the way. A classic gem amongst Toronto's live venues.
I've seen everyone from BB King to John Stewart perform here and the venue has been nothing short of superb. If you are at all on the fence about seeing a live event here then just go. -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
12/14/2008 1 photo
In my late 20s, I grew a pair of curmudgeon pants. I still went to concerts, but I complained a lot more. "This band isn't worth $20." "Why is everyone talking?" "I'm tired of standing." "My back hurts." "Why do they say show starts at 10, when they really mean 11?" "Gad, I wanna go home!"
And on and on.
But with Massey Hall, I shut up and enjoyed.
Of course, these concerts at Massey Hall are a lil' more grand than your average bar-room singer-songwriter indie show, but every single concert I've attended here has been intimate and fantastic -- even when I fought to not enjoy it (Barenaked Ladies, ahem). Sloan was a big rock-out, and Sigur Ros, in this venue, takes credit for one of the most magical experiences I've ever had as a live music fan. During breaks, I could hear a pin drop.
Though it's much more interactive if you can score lower floor seats, the balcony provides a great perspective. The space is so inspiring and the crowds are typically more respectful than bar-room hecklers and music industry lip waggers; shows here are definitely ones to savour.
For this venue, and this venue only, I would go well beyond my ticket price maximum. I love this place. -
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
10/24/2008
If you tell a friend that you're going to see a live act, and they approve of said act, the esteem you get is doubled if you add the words "and I'm seeing them at Massey Hall". Prepare to get a "Sweet!" as a reply.
Massey Hall is the sister venue to Roy Thomson Hall (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...), and is run by the same not-for-profit organization. Performers are able to book either venue on their own, but the Halls' organization run their own subscription series at the two venues. Many acts go out of their way to perform at Massey Hall. Why? The sights and the sound.
One of the oldest venues (if not the oldest) in Toronto, it not only is a fantastic performance venue but is also one of Toronto's historic buildings. The interior of the hall is mostly wooden, a high vaulted ceiling ornate and decorated. It is the wood, however, that make the acoustics fantastic in this hall.
The list of performers that have hit the stage there is staggering as well as surprising. In its time, Massey Hall has hosted the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker, Neil Young, U2, Depeche Mode, Craig Ferguson, Billy Connolly, Sigur Ros, Marilyn Manson, and Slayer.
Not all at the same time.
There's a reason that so many different artists want to play here. -
Review from Kim B.
ON
12/16/2008 7 photos
Oh Massey Hall! With your hard balcony seats and obstructed views! I still love you! Because every time I visit it's for a show that somehow, through the magic of your walls and charm, seems to be awesome.
Last time I visited was for the Vinyl Cafe Christmas Concert (yes, CBC radio, I'm a nerd and proud of it) and even though our seats were partially obstructed (a brass railing at eye height?) and the chairs were like cement blocks under our bums, the stage splayed out for all to see like a giant fan and every sound was heard in perfect acoustic-ness.
In short: It ain't perfect, but in some ways it is. -
Review from Lynda W.
Toronto, ON
10/6/2008
I saw The Boy Least likely to, and James Blunt here at Massey Hall. This is the day I fell in love with The Boy Least Likely to. I love these smaller venues, especially where there are seats - I'm getting old and it's harder for me to stay standing for hours on end!!
Massey Hall reminds me of going to the Stratford festival, it has that play vibe going on. When I went to see James Blunt, I sat in the balcony on the right side. The layout sucked for us because whenever James would go to the piano to play, the whole right side couldn't see anything. I was also furthered blocked by a column in the building! Yeah I got the short end of the stick on that one!
Anyway, so if you're going to see a concert here, go for center seats! Other than that, great venue! -
Review from Alejandro A.
Toronto, ON
12/19/2008
Massey Hall is a concert venue with full seating. It's the smaller end of the stadium seating venues which includes places like The Sony Centre or Roy Thompson Hall. The sound system is excellent and the seating comfortable. Even sitting on one of the upper levels, I had no problem seeing the stage, hearing the music or enjoying the show. Well, so long as you don't have a giant column in the way...
If you plan on going out for dinner before the show, make sure you give yourself plenty of time, because the nearby places like Fran's usually fill up very quickly. -
Review from Sapna G.
Calgary, AB
5/13/2010
I recently checked out a show at Massey Hall and I gotta say, I didn't love the space.
With polls in the way and not a lot of leg room, sitting here for long periods of time gets far too uncomfortable, far too fast. Plus the chairs are annoying because they can either tilt forward or stay upright. If you're resting your foot on the chair in front of you and the person moves his/her chair, there's far too high a potential for getting your feet clipped.
Of all the performance spaces I've visited, Massey Hall is *alright*. It's definitely nothing to write home about, so I figured I'd just write about it in a review ;) -
Review from Amanda D.
Ottawa, ON
11/18/2008
I saw Daniel Lanois at Massey Hall and it was a fantastic experience. The century old building is beautiful with a design that leaves very few people without a spectacular view of the stage. With the help of Lanois and his talented band, the acoustics and ambiance of this music hall made this a wonderful evening.
There's also so much history behind this building with an incredible array of artists who have played in the hall. Daniel Lanois mentioned a number of the ghosts he was channeling upon his return to this theatre since the time he saw Miles Davis in the 60s.
Note: If you have back problems, it's best to stay away from Gallery seating since it's only hard wooden chairs with little leg room. It's $10 cheaper, but the discomfort may not be worth it to some. -
Review from Hungry A.
8/18/2008
This is an excellent place to see a show.
I have seen Feist and The Arcade Fire here; both in 2007.
The staff is friendly and helpful, there is a nice downstairs area for adult beverages and snacks.
Very Cool Place. Great Acoustics. -
Review from larry b.
11/13/2010
Great venue. Ive seen a lot of talent here from Rush to GOrdon Lightfoot. Always a great place to see live music.
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Review from Philine v.
5/4/2010
I flew up to Toronto to see Eddie Izzard kick off his Canadian tour at Massey Hall on April 30 and May 1. I'm so glad I did (well, yes, I'm always happy to see him perform, and no, this isn't my first time flying to see him .... far from it). But this theater, although old and in need of some work, is a wonderful venue! It reminded me somewhat of Town Hall in NYC - wide, fairly comfy, and full of history. I'd happily see just about anything in this venue!
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Review from SNACKe R.
Toronto, ON
1/7/2010
Absolutely the best large concert venue in the city. A warm sound that envelopes you, and loads of history. There is no substitute for the Massey Hall experience.
Among others, Caruso, Charlie Parker, Neil Young, Oscar Peterson, and of course the Toronto Symphony have laced the wood of this building with good musical vibrations that ensure it sounds like a Stradivarius.
Go and see your favourite artist there if you get the chance, you won't regret it. The basement lounge has loads of pictures and programs from days gone by. -
Review from Adam B.
Toronto, ON
4/26/2009
Historic building, and a great venue (that's not too big) for live shows. I've seen both comedians and bands play live here, and the sound is always fantastic. Really close to Yonge & Dundas square, for food, shopping, etc...
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Review from Dean G.
North York, ON
9/1/2009
Beautiful venue, one of my favorites in Toronto.
The big catch here is if you want to enjoy ANY sort of entertainment here -- DO NOT BUY TOP BALCONY TICKETS! This place obviously wasn't built yesterday, and I guess the standards back then were not as good as today's, so the people at the top just don't get to see anything, or hear anything. Once I had tickets on the side, and I couldn't even see the middle of the stage -- the balcony was in the way!! Talk about partial view.
The place itself is damn nice, though. As long as you shell out some moola for nice tickets, you're bound to have a fantastic time here.
